CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Catholic Radio Network is even easier to hear anywhere you are with its new app.
This app is not just a streaming radio app, it’s an app for all things Catholic, says founder and spokesperson for the Carolina Catholic Radio Network, David Papandrea.
“It has everything on it,” Papandrea notes. “When looking to launch an app, we looked at how people are using their devices, from a Catholic perspective, to see what we should include.”
The CCRN app is sponsored by Catholic Radio Charlotte, WCGC AM1270. The station started broadcasting Jan. 31, and it reaches an estimated 500,000 people over the airway from Hickory to Rock Hill, S.C., including Huntersville and Charlotte.
The app, which has been live since early May, is meant to be an “in-your-pocket” resource for all things Catholic. It includes prayer and Mass resources, the Bible, links to grow in your faith, local Catholic links and music, EWTN archives and even a prayer intention wall.
“Everything you could possibly want is there, and if someone has a request, we’re committed to review and potentially ask for it,” Papandrea says.
The CCRN has already added a “Mass times near you” function since it launched. Papandrea said they also want to develop a section focused on young adults and their spiritual journey.
With a month of analytics for the new app, Papandrea says users are spending the most time with the “pray” section.
CCRN has looked to expand its over-the-air stations in the network to cover the entire Charlotte diocese.
“The app is a way to overcome the biggest objection we’ve heard as we’ve looked to expand: ‘we can’t hear you!’” Papandrea says.
“The number of people with smart phones is as close as you’re going to get to reaching most people, and it does it for a fraction of the cost. As long as the technology is there, we certainly have to embrace it. Every conceivable group can be touched with this app.”
The app is available for download for free in the Apple and Android marketplaces.
— Kimberly Bender, online reporter
Learn more
At www.carolinacatholicradio.org: Download the app, stream the station, donate or learn about bringing a station to your area